Employment Lawyer Ref. 3756

About us

We’re MI6, also known as the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS). Our mission is to protect the security and economic wellbeing of the UK from overseas threats such as regional instability, terrorism, and cyber‑attacks. Working across the globe and in close partnership with MI5 and GCHQ, we help the Government to counter these threats through the provision of secret intelligence. A role in MI6 will see you providing vital support to this work, within a supportive and encouraging environment that puts the emphasis on teamwork.

The role

At MI6 the threats to our national security are constantly evolving. In our small, specialist team of employment lawyers you will work on unique and challenging cases, supporting vital work at the heart of our organisation by providing expert advice on a variety of employment and people‑related matters. The diverse portfolio ranges from advising on staff policies and contracts, HR strategy, HR casework and employment litigation, through to more sensitive aspects specific to the work we do, which involves mitigating risks to national security. Within this role you’ll provide employment advice across the usual employment practice topics (including HR policy, disciplinaries, grievances, litigation, Equality and Diversity, recruitment, employment legislation). You’ll manage Employment Tribunal litigation, liaising with the ET and Counsel to progress cases, and you’ll be expected to deliver client training and attend training yourself. The role does not include any line‑management responsibilities.

About you

If you are curious about how national security shapes an organisation’s response to employment law issues, this is the role for you. We need people who will thrive in a team environment but are also comfortable working independently. You will have strong communication skills and the ability to explain complex employment law matters clearly and simply to those without a legal background. With a pragmatic approach to problems you will be able to think creatively to find solutions, both independently and as part of our small collaborative team. Proactive and conscientious, you will be adept at handling complex and sensitive queries with credibility. You will often be required to work with other partners across the National Security Community and wider Government to solve cross‑cutting issues, and you should be adept at building strong relationships with clients as a trusted adviser. You will be a qualified solicitor or barrister, with sound PQE experience, qualified to practice in England and Wales. In‑depth knowledge of employment law, with at least two years in practice, is essential. Ideally you will also have experience of working in‑house in the commercial and/or public sectors, but this is not essential.

Training and development

You’ll receive an initial induction, on‑the‑job training, access to courses in our internal training academy and the chance to build on professional development and wider support in a collegiate environment. You will also be expected to take responsibility for your own training and development and seek opportunities appropriate to your goals and needs.

Rewards and benefits

You’ll receive a starting salary of £79,995 or £85,993 (dependent on experience), plus other benefits including:

• 25 days’ of annual leave, automatically rising to 30 days after five years’ service, and an additional 10.5 days of public and privilege holidays
• Opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme
• An interest‑free season ticket loan
• An excellent pension scheme
• A cycle‑to‑work scheme
• Facilities such as a gym, restaurant and on‑site coffee bars
• Paid parental and adoption leave

Equal opportunities

At MI6 diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. To protect the UK we need a truly diverse workforce that reflects the society we serve. This includes diversity in every sense of the word: people with different backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, ways of thinking and those with disabilities or neuro‑divergent conditions. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including those from groups that are under‑represented in our workforce such as women, those from an ethnic minority background, people with disabilities and those from low socio‑economic backgrounds.

Other important information

The role is based in Central London; you’ll need to live within a commutable distance. The position requires the highest security clearance (Developed Vetting). The job has a strict drugs policy – recreational drug use is prohibited and prior drug use must be declared at the relevant stage.